How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression

If a person is suffering from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating the first condition can often improve the second. Mental health specialists prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression, or antidepressants along with ADHD medication.

Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. They also improve concentration.

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is the first choice medication for adults suffering from ADHD or anxiety depression. It belongs to a class called central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters the amount of certain natural substances inside your brain. It can be taken as a tablet, liquid adhd medication chewable tablets, or extended-release capsules. It can be administered through the skin.

It is not uncommon for people with ADHD also to be afflicted by mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. You should inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants can make these conditions worse. In some cases you may have to take both a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.

Methylphenidate can cause headaches as well as stomachaches. It can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure, so you should keep regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have trouble metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also risky to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant.

When taking methylphenidate, you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness and blurred vision. You should drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. If you have problems taking tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew these medications. If you're having trouble eating solid food, ask your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft foods or drinks like applesauce, yogurt, or pudding.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an anthelminthic medication that belongs to the family of central nervous system stimulants. It affects the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in children and adults who are aged 6 years and older. It is also used to treat binge eating disorders in adults.

Adults with ADHD typically suffer from comorbid anxiety and depression. Treatment of these conditions is essential to help people feel better and perform at their best at work and at home. Some medications that are typically used to treat mental health problems can interact with ADHD medications, so it is essential to be honest about any other medical issues you might have.

Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess, as they both involve a wide range of symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are commonly used to treat these ailments and may increase focus and concentration in those suffering from ADHD/ADHD. They typically work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters within the brain. They have a low potential for misuse and abuse.

The medication produced promising results in studies involving adults suffering from ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It decreased the symptoms of depression and anxiety and also improved ADHD ratings and executive function measures. It was also safe to use.

Tell your doctor about any other medications are being used for any reason, including MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil), phenelzine, selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be used for 14 days following the use of the administration of lisdexamfetamine. It is also important to let your doctor know if are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredient in the medication.

3. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake neurotransmitter. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. This medication should not, however, be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist or therapist.

There have been a variety of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include 9 controlled studies that are randomized and 2 post-hoc subgroup studies. In most instances the atomoxetine treatment outperformed placebo in both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However it is important to keep in mind that the number of participants in these studies was small.

The medication can cause some side effects, including abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These effects are typically minor and do not affect anyone who takes this medication. In some instances, patients who take atomoxetine report thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials involving adolescents and children who took the drug. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.

Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In fact the results of an earlier study of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed a placebo. This is a promising outcome which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used in conjunction with other treatments for both disorders. More research is needed to determine whether Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively for other forms of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion, a Non Stimulant Adhd Medications For Adults-stimulant drug boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells, and increasing it can aid concentration and control impulses. Your doctor may recommend the drug in capsules typically taken once or twice daily. It's also been linked to more serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.

Anxiety is a disorder that causes constant, intense fear and restlessness. It can cause symptoms like headaches, stomachaches as well as breathlessness and feelings like dread or fear. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms, despite trying to lessen them.

People with ADHD can suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions as well as a lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD -- such as inattention deficit, forgetfulness and impulsive behaviorcan also result in feelings of anger or disappointment.

Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist to ease anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications differ from stimulants.

Antidepressants are often prescribed by your doctor to treat strongest adhd medication for adults. They may be prescribed on their own or together with stimulants. However they are rarely prescribed to adolescents and children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Consulting with a mental-health professional can be beneficial in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Changes in routine and lifestyle can be beneficial in managing these conditions. You could, for instance, try meditating or doing yoga, regulating insomnia and stress levels and including exercises into your daily routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

In some instances an expert in mental health may suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment plan. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can occasionally improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to reduce anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors -like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost your levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can boost your mood and reduce your anxiety. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors -- such as mirtazapine (Remeron) and nefazodone (Serzone) -- also lift your mood by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin that your brain's chemical messengers release. Tricyclic antidepressants were originally developed to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant effects. These medicines include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).

Tricyclics also improve sleep, lower blood pressure, and decrease a person’s sensitivity to sound. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. Patients taking them shouldn't drive or operate dangerous equipment until they are sure of what reaction they'll have to the medication.

Exercise taking enough rest and eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can all aid in reducing ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can help reduce stress and boost happiness. Klarity can help you find licensed professionals who provide convenient online mental health services that is insurance-free and convenient. Find out more about our services and book an appointment today.